slip by
Definition
- Verb (intransitive):
- To pass or go by, especially time, in a quiet, unnoticed, or quick manner. It emphasizes the passage of time or events without significant notice or fanfare.
Usage
- This verb is used to describe the passage of time or events that happen without being fully observed or appreciated. It often carries a sense of time passing surprisingly quickly or uneventfully.
- It is typically used with subjects like "time," "years," "days," "moments," or "opportunities."
- Example:
Examples
- Verb:
- I didn't realize how quickly the hours had slipped by.
- Another year has slipped by without us achieving our goal.
- Don't let this chance slip by; you may not get another one.
Advanced Usage
- "to let something slip by": To miss or fail to take advantage of an opportunity, or to allow time to pass without acting.
- He let a great job opportunity slip by because he was too hesitant to apply.
Variants and Related Words
- Slip away (phrasal verb): Very similar in meaning to "slip by," often used for time or opportunities. It can also mean to leave quietly or unnoticed.
- The weekend slipped away before I could finish my chores.
Synonyms
- Elapse: (of time) to pass or go by.
- Pass by: to go past.
- Go by: to pass (used especially for time).
- Glide by: to pass smoothly and quietly.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Slip through: To pass through a system, net, or fingers without being caught or noticed.
- An error slipped through the quality checks.
- Slip past: To move past someone or something unnoticed.
- The spy slipped past the guards.
Related Idioms
- Time flies: An idiom expressing that time seems to pass very quickly.
- We've been chatting for two hours? Time flies!
Verb
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pass by
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three years elapsed
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